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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Driving Miss Daisy

A couple of years ago, I spotted this bike in a magazine. It just made me laugh! I showed it to Evan, my beloved, and sure enough, he tracked it down and I had the most wonderful birthday surprise that year!!

I love Miss Daisy. She is big and heavy and only has three gears... but, I'm doing this for exercise, aren't I? Riding Daisy reminds me of a time when I was training for a marathon... well into a 20 mile run... feeling very tired and not really having a good run. Then, I spotted a balloon bouquet, past its prime, hovering just above ground level being blown gently along by the wind.

Immediately, my spirits were lifted and I felt a new burst of energy. I chased down the bouquet and tied it to the back of my water bottle belt. I looked a bit like a crazy peacock with a balloon bouquet for a colorful tail.

Now, the point of this story is that I found that experience to be a very revealing study of human nature (I'm always fascinated by experiments). As I finished that run with cars passing by, I was amazed by the diversity of response by the people. Pretty much, they fell into two categories. The first and most common was an immediate expression of surprise and joy! They honked; they waved. I made them smile; they made me smile in return. A win win situation. Then, there was the second group; they were predominated by expressions of incredulity and disdain. Just unhappy. And, unhappy that I would be happy or silly or crazy enough to strap a big bouquet of balloons on my butt.

I'm so glad I live in the first group (most days).

Driving Daisy is a lot like that accidental experiment in human nature. Folks usually respond in one of two ways. I'm happy to report that most seem to, just like me, smile when they see the big old colorful girl.

I think we have to keep our eyes open for things that make us smile... lift our spirits... give us moments of joy.

24 comments:

Oh my goodness Tanna! LOVE LOVE LOVE "Miss Daisy!" How sweet of your dear sweet beloved husband to shower you with such a fabulous gift! It's a work of art on two tires!

I enjoyed the scenic adventure you took us on as well. How beautiful your area is during this time of the year!

While I was visiting..drifted down to your Easter photos! Beautiful Family! And Sweet Alexander Cole is growing into one handsome little guy! Precious that's what he is..just precious!

Have sure enjoyed my visit here this a.m. It's time to get crackin' here in Middle Georgia. I'm working so deligently on a new canvas, and it's just feeling so wonderful having something fresh and exciting in front of me each day.

You are so right, we either choose to be happy or choose not to.Love the azalea photos, especially the one with the little bench in amogst the blooms, and the one with wisteria in the foreground.Keep on pedaling girl!

Tanna, I love Miss Daisy. Such vibrant colors! I could just see you running with balloons tied to your butt. How cute. I would have laughed and honked! Love the outside tour of homes there. Beautiful azaleas. Any of those yours?

Miss Daisy is woderful! I wish I had one just like her! I really wish I had a place to ride. Guess I could haul her to town and ride, couldn't I? Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! What fun to ride or walk on those streets.I have much joy today.....and she is waking up from nap right now!Great Post!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Miss Daisy!!! It put a HUGE smile on my face this morning. What gorgeous pictures of azaleas and homes you have shown us....WOW!!! I would have been smiling away seeing that balloon bouquet attached to you!!!! GREAT post!

I just found my moment of joy in your post. The neighborhood in which you dwell is gorgeous this time of year. The flowering plants, bushes and trees make me swoon. The bike is so friggin' cute, Tanna. I want one! Seriously! I love girls' bikes and I love color. That is so cute.

Love the bike. I'd like to have seen a photo of you with the balloons, but sometimes a mental picture is worth a 1000 words:)Nice neighborhood. I like having something pretty to look at while I'm walking and it's a good time of year to enjoy the view. Have a good week, Debbie

LOL! LOL! LOL! You are one of the few people I know who would take that floating balloon bouquet and strap it to your butt while you finished your run despite whether or not it looked funny - just because it brought you joy. That's what I love about you so much - you relish the good stuff in life. =)

The azaleas are GORGEOUS! The few that we have here are blooming, too, and it makes me wish we were there with you. With my bike in tow so that we could pedal the brick streets and ring our bells together. =)

Oh how I love that you (and your daughter) find joy in such the simple things in life! That's what it's all about! Good for you for taking these little things in and enjoying life to it's fullest! That's what's so great about you!Those flowers and houses are just amazing. How can that sight not bring you joy, right! :)

I love that bike. Thanks for taking me on a pedal round the neighborhood.I'm stuck at home after a treatment for skin cancer... so I really enjoyed the trip without the sun rays!That is a Friday's Favorite... come on by the linky party